2 December 2020
The Commanding Officer of Operation COVID-19 Assist in NSW has thanked communities on the NSW/Victorian border for their patience and support.
Brigadier Michael Garraway joined NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller in Albury to mark the lifting of all restrictions along the border with Victoria.
“It’s not lost on us for a moment, the inconvenience and imposition of people in bush communities along the border, so we really want to say thank you for your patience, your perseverance and the goodwill that was extended to all of our troops over a number of months,” Brigadier Garraway said.
About 1200 Defence personnel took part in the border operation between March and October.
Members were stationed at 20 checkpoints along the 1400km border and checked more than four million vehicles during that time.
“We’ve had some great young men and women doing a really good job,” Brigadier Garraway said.
He also acknowledged the strong working relationship with NSW Police.
“We’ve learnt a lot from each other over the last couple of months and we’re very pleased with the level of cooperation that exists between our great organisations,” he said.
About 300 ADF personnel continue to be employed on Operation COVID-19 Assist in NSW, supporting quarantine efforts at Sydney Airport and hotels in the city.
